Taxpayers are working hard across the country to monitor governments. It is important to support and recognize each other as we work toward common goals. One such group that deserves recognition is the New Jersey Taxpayers Association.

New Jersey Taxpayers Association (NJTA) is a grass roots organization working for sustainable tax reform in New Jersey by focusing on holding government and its agents accountable. The group started in 2000 as The Silver Brigade, but recently expanded its focus and changed its name.

NJTA produces a number of wonderful products that help citizens educate themselves about their government. First, they provide Legislator Report Cards which rank representatives based on their votes on tax issues. Similar to NTU’s Taxpayer Friend Awards, high scoring legislators receive Taxpayer Advocate Awards. The report cards, as well as the awards, draw attention to what legislators have actually done (rather than what they say they will do) which encourages accountability. NJTA also conducts candidate surveys which give voters an idea of where candidates stand on key tax issues. This is valuable information that enables people to get to know candidates and encourages candidates to carefully consider their positions. NJTA takes care of its volunteers by training them so they have the skills needed to make an impact. Volunteers are encouraged to “turn that frustration [with taxes and political parties] into constructive energy.”

In May, NJTA held a Statewide Tax Summit to create a tax reform coalition. This year’s summit was held at the state Capitol and was attended by a wide variety of taxpayer advocates (including NTU President Duane Parde). Continuing the momentum from this event, NJTA plans to provide progress updates so taxpayers will be armed with the latest information.

One excellent feature of NJTA’s web site is the section on Goals and Accomplishments. NJTA’s objectives for the year and how they were accomplished are listed from the past four years. Better still are the explanations for how they judge their success in achieving these goals. For example, one goal for last year was a multi-media campaign. This was accomplished by NJTA’s President Jerry Cantrell recording two media segments for a TV station. Goals are important for any organization, but in order to truly make an impact on a long term basis the success of these goals must be evaluated. NJTA is a good model for following up with organizational goals.

NJTA provides a wonderful example of supplying valuable data that allows individuals to carefully judge legislators and educate themselves about these important issues. The work of NJTA is also spreading as they are in the process of expanding their impact by starting new regional chapters. Their emphasis on long term change is something that all taxpayer organizations should keep in mind.

If you know of a state or local taxpayer group that is making an impact and would like to be featured in this blog series, please email bcardiff@ntu.org.